Republican incumbent Rinkavage will face Democrat Kocher in the 119th seat.

WILKES-BARRE — In the 119th Legislative District, incumbent Republican Alec Rinkavage is seeking a second term in the state Legislature against Democratic challenger Megan Kocher.

The Times Leader asked candidates to identify what they believe is the most important issue in the 2024 campaign.

Representative Alec Rinkavage

• Economics: “I worked to ease the burden on families working paycheck to paycheck and seniors on fixed incomes. I support energy policies that increase local energy production in Pennsylvania while holding utility companies accountable. This session, I co-sponsored legislation passed by the Senate reducing the income tax rate from 3.07% to 2.8% and eliminating the “gross receipts tax” on utility bills. These policies will put up to $400 back into each family’s wallet in the first year and up to $900 in the second year. This is just one example of how I put my constituents first, and I remain committed to continuing that work.”

• Law & Order/First Responders: “Safety is important in our communities and is felt by all residents. We need a government representative who maintains law and order. First responders and nurses know what it takes to serve our community, which is why they supported my campaign. I am supported by the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 36, Pennsylvania Correctional Officers Association, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania Correctional Officers Association, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Officers Association Pennsylvania State Correctional Services, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania Correctional Officers Association, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania State Police Association No. 36. Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, and the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.”

• Energy: “My opponent supports a complete ban on fracking, but energy production in Pennsylvania is essential to curbing inflation, creating jobs and funding our infrastructure. The best thing we can do for all families is to produce cheaper energy. Ceasing energy production in Pennsylvania means rising utility bills and moving production to highly polluting countries such as Russia, India and China. Pennsylvania’s energy industry is pouring billions into repairing dilapidated roads, bridges and highways. To effectively address climate change, we must produce energy in the cleanest economy possible—right here in the United States. Increasing local energy production protects both our economy and our environment.”

• Riddle: “As a freshman legislator in the minority party, I cut through party politics to pass my first bill (HB 1619 of 2023) to hold utility companies accountable. I fought against PennDOT’s use of tar and chip and opened a new district office in Fairview Township to serve Mountain Top. I have supported record paving projects including Lee Rd and Center St in Newport Twp and Rt 309. I have supported streetscape improvements in Glen Lyon, Ashley, Plymouth, Edwardsville and Larksville; funded the first K9 Mountain Top unit; and advocated for more equitable funding for the Crestwood School District.”

• Experience/Proven Report Card: “I have a proven track record of listening and getting results. Having handled over 10,000 cases and conducted 173 outreach events, I remained available during daily office hours, monthly coffee chats, and at town halls. Growing up in a paycheck to paycheck home, I became a homeowner, business owner, and former city councilman. My constituents know me personally, and I will continue to fight for everyday families, businesses, seniors and veterans. I will continue to increase the $20 million in grants I have received and put people before politics. Whether it’s fighting utility companies over rate increases or lending a listening ear at a most vulnerable time, this personal representation will continue.”

Megan Kocher

• Economy: “Average people are suffering while lawmakers in Harrisburg continue to vote against relief for working families. Corporations are making record profits while raising prices for consumers. We can ease the burden on everyday people by electing leaders who are willing to stand up to greedy CEOs and corporate profiteering by holding them accountable for price gouging.”

• Property Tax: “I support implementing a property tax circuit breaker to ensure that no household pays a fairer percentage of their income in property taxes. Those with the lowest incomes often end up paying a higher percentage of their earnings under the current system, which is simply unfair. This will provide relief to working families and seniors who have been hit hardest by tax increases.”

• Election reform: “Our democracy is built on the idea of ​​one person, one vote, but it is undermined when corporations and the super-rich can buy influence and elections. The system is rigged against workers. I strongly support election reform, including term limits and strong campaign finance laws, to limit the role of big money in politics and return power to the people.”

• Funding for education: “Every child deserves access to quality education, no matter where they live. While the recent budget takes steps to address Pennsylvania’s inequitable funding system, we still have a long way to go. It’s time for the state to pay its full fair share to ease the heavy burden on taxpayers and ensure all schools are adequately funded.”

• Reproductive freedoms: “I would never support additional restrictions on abortion in Pennsylvania. If elected, I will prioritize protecting access to abortion and ensuring that private medical decisions remain with women and their doctors. Anti-abortion policies do not help families; we need real solutions. If we want to reduce the abortion rate, we need to expand access to health care, child care, paid family leave, and education funding. The Maternal Care Package Bill is a good start to ensuring mothers and babies have what they need, but we must do much more to support children and families.”